The SPLC monitors many true hate groups like the Ku Klux Klan, anti-government militias, black separatists, racist skinheads, and anti-immigration groups. It also seeks to monitor other groups it considers to be extreme, though not necessarily hateful.

Though most are headquartered in the Denver area, the SPLC says there are a number of hate groups that operate statewide. Among them:

Golden State Skinheads There are 71 of these groups nationwide, according to SPLC. The traditional skinhead look is the shaved head, Doc Marten boots, jeans with suspenders, and racist tattoos.

National Socialist MovementThis is a neo-nazi group that typically hates Jews as well as other minorities.

Loyal White Knights of the Ku Klux Kan - One of the oldest and most well-known hate groups is said to have its Colorado headquarters in Grand Junction.

Gaining the knowledge that there are close to 1,000 hate groups in America - and up to 21 in Colorado - makes me sad to think there is so much hate in our nation. Not that I didn't already know it, but seeing it in black and white gives me stark realization of the magnitude of the malice and hostility in the United States, and right here in our own state.

When we look and see what's happening in our country, we shouldn't be surprised at all the turmoil when we consider the hatred that permeates our society. I'm sure that hate has existed in this country from the beginning, but how in the world did it get to this extreme point?

I'm not saying John Lennon was the wisest man in the world, but he definitely got it right when he wrote the words "all you need is love."